US Roman Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Immigration Enforcement

In a rare official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has delivered a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Special Message Shows Serious Worry

The bishops stated being disturbed by threats against the sacred nature of houses of worship and the unique character of medical facilities and educational institutions.

We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good.

Climate of Fear

Through their statement, the bishops portrayed what they called "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of targeting" and border control measures.

They expressed being disheartened by the present discourse and vilification of immigrants, while opposing what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."

Additional Concerns

Church authorities also raised major apprehensions about:

• Conditions in border holding facilities
• Random revocation of official documentation for certain immigrants
• Absence of comprehensive immigration system improvements

Administrative Shifts

The Trump administration has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office, including eliminating policies that restricted immigration arrests near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.

International Context

The declaration echoes comparable criticisms made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "serious consideration about the way migrants are being treated in the US under Trump."

Broader Implications

This constitutes the first special message of its kind in more than ten years, emphasizing the seriousness of the bishops' concerns about present border measures.